Nairobi City County Government and the Government of Kenya have signed a formal agreement aimed at strengthening collaboration on major development projects and improving coordination between county and national functions.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony held at State House Nairobi on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Sakaja: Deal Is 13 Years Overdue
Speaking at the event, Johnson Sakaja described the partnership as a historic milestone, noting that Nairobi had long been unable to fully benefit from its status as Kenya’s capital city.
“Today is a great day for the capital city of the Republic of Kenya. In the 13 years of devolution, Nairobi city county has not had an opportunity to leverage and benefit from its unique position as a capital city of the Republic of Kenya to get the special attention, resources and support it requires for the benefit of the people,” Sakaja said.
The governor argued that the agreement will unlock enhanced support for infrastructure, service delivery, security coordination and economic development within the capital.
Sakaja stated that the cooperation pact is grounded in Section 6 of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, which provides a legal framework for collaboration between county governments and the national government in managing urban areas.
He emphasised that the provisions enabling such collaboration have existed in law but had not been fully implemented in Nairobi’s case.
Boost for Capital City Governance
The agreement is expected to streamline coordination on critical functions such as transport, urban planning, housing, security and major infrastructure projects that require joint oversight.
As Kenya’s political and economic hub, Nairobi plays a central role in national development. The new framework seeks to reduce duplication of roles, improve efficiency and ensure that both levels of government work in harmony for the benefit of residents.
The deal also marks a significant moment in Kenya’s devolution journey, which began in 2013. It highlights evolving efforts to balance county autonomy with national oversight, particularly in strategically important urban centres.
If effectively implemented, the agreement could serve as a model for cooperation between the national government and other major cities across the country.
